Flocked applicator

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an applicator ( 20 ) for applying a cosmetic product, having at least one application surface ( 22 ) covered, at least partially, with a flocked coating ( 23 ) comprising a set of fibers held on said application surface by an adhesive ( 26 ). According to the invention, the adhesive is colored.

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a product, notably a cosmetic product, comprising at least one application surface covered with a flocked coating comprising a set of fibers held on the applicator by an adhesive.

The expression “cosmetic products” is understood to mean any product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and Council of 30 Nov. 2009 relating to cosmetic products.

In the field of cosmetics, and in particular of makeup, it is common to use applicators which have an application surface flocked with the aid of fibers, notably for applying a mascara, an eyeliner, a lip gloss etc.

The flocking consists in covering a surface by spraying. To this end, the surface to be flocked is coated with adhesive and then the coating material, in this case a set of fibers, is sprayed in the direction of said surface. The adhesive retains the fibers and, after drying, keeps them on the surface thus flocked.

A flocked application surface has notably advantages in terms of gentleness of application. It is possible to choose particular characteristics of the flocking fibers depending on the cosmetic product intended to be applied by the flocked applicator.

The fibers used for the flocking of cosmetic applicators are generally colorless and/or translucent.

As a result, it is difficult to satisfactorily make the most of these applicators, in particular when the flocking is partial and the applicator has several different application surfaces, notably flocked and non-flocked surfaces.

In particular, when the applicator is a foam or a sponge which is not entirely flocked, it may be difficult for the user to know which face of the applicator the flock is situated on or to differentiate between two regions having different flocking.

Moreover, when the applicator is a fine brush or a brush made notably of plastics material, thermoplastic, glass or metal, the flocked coating does not draw the user's attention very well. This is particularly the case when it is dipped into a transparent or translucent formulation such as an oil, a gloss or a serum.

A first solution consists in using colored fibers.

The document FR283893 thus describes a device for applying a cosmetic product, the flocked coating of which can be made up of fibers of different colors.

However, during the application of the cosmetic product, some of the fibers can come away from the adhesive and remain stuck to the user's skin. Therefore, it remains preferable to use translucent fibers rather than colored fibers.

The present invention aims to respond to this problem.

One of the objects of the invention is thus to provide an applicator for applying a cosmetic product, the flocked coating of which is visually enhanced without changing the nature of the fibers that are conventionally used.

The present invention aims to achieve these objectives and, to this end, proposes an applicator for applying a cosmetic product, having at least one application surface covered, at least partially, with a flocked coating comprising a set of fibers held on said application surface by a colored adhesive, said applicator being characterized in that the flocked coating comprises colorless and/or translucent fibers.

A colored adhesive is understood to mean an adhesive that is colored after drying. Thus, the adhesive known as “white” adhesive that is commonly used is not considered to be a colored adhesive since it becomes colorless after drying. By contrast, if the adhesive retains its white color after drying, it could be considered to be colored within the meaning of the present application.

Preferably, an adhesive having a color different than that of the application surface will be preferred.

Thus, by using a colored adhesive, it is possible to obtain a flocked coating, the visually distinctive character of which is independent of the fibers used, in particular if the fibers are colorless and/or translucent.

Moreover, the use of a colored adhesive on an application surface that is likewise colored makes it possible to obtain a resultant color due to the optical mixing of the two colors.

Advantageously, the applicator comprises at least two flocked regions having at least two different colors. In particular, the flocked regions belong to different application surfaces. Providing different colors makes it possible to further improve the distinctive character of each of said flocked regions.

Preferably, the two flocked regions comprise flocking fibers that have different application characteristics. Different application characteristics are understood notably to be a different fiber density, hardness, length or thickness.

According to a first preferred embodiment, the application surface is entirely covered with a flocked coating having a colored adhesive.

Alternatively or in a complementary manner on another application surface, said application surface comprises at least one flocked part that forms a pattern.

In particular, the application surface can contain several flocked regions. This makes it possible to realize a decoration on the application surface.

A “pattern” is understood to be a graphic element, often repeated, that serves as a main theme in the decoration of an object; and also logos.

It is thus possible to customize the applicator with the image of the brand without impairing its application function(s). For example, the pattern can be chosen from a dot, a star, a wave or a series of letters. The pattern can be at least one basic pattern, or a combination of basic patterns, repeated and/or disposed specifically, in a regular or irregular manner, so as to form a larger pattern.

Advantageously, the application surface has reliefs.

“Reliefs” are understood to be, for example, variations in depth, concavities, ribs or grooves on the application surface, and any combination thereof.

The relief(s) can notably be punctiform and/or extend over at least a part of the application surface. In particular, the relief(s) extend(s) over a periphery of the application surface.

Specifically, it has been found surprisingly that the presence of reliefs makes it possible to obtain particular optical effects, notably in terms of variation in intensity of the color. This is because, when the region(s) of the application surface that is/are intended to be flocked is/are coated with adhesive, a greater or smaller quantity of adhesive is trapped by the reliefs depending on whether the relief is recessed or protrudes. A greater quantity of adhesive trapped in a recessed relief makes it possible to obtain greater intensity of color, while, by contrast, a smaller quantity of adhesive present on a protruding relief results in lower intensity of color.

For example, the flocked coating can be constituted of fibers of polyamide, notably of nylon PA 6.6, of polyacrylic, of polyester, of cotton or of cellulose.

Besides the fact that, when some fibers come away from the adhesive layer and stick to the keratin fibers (notably body hair, the eyelashes or hair), the lips or the skin of the user, they are not visible, it has been found that the use of such translucent fibers results in a particular optical effect.

Without wishing to be tied to any one theory, the applicant considers the translucent character of the fibers, and consequently their capacity to transmit light, to result in diffusion through the fibers of the light reflected by the layer of colored adhesive.

It follows that the layer of adhesive, even slightly colored, makes it possible to obtain a particularly intense distinctive effect.

Furthermore, it has also be found that this effect is accentuated when the applicator is impregnated with the cosmetic formulation to be applied, in particular when the cosmetic formulation is itself transparent or translucent.

Advantageously, the adhesive used is an epoxy polymer. This allows rapid and very resilient adhesion which exhibits good resistance to moisture and to high temperatures. Optionally, the adhesive used can be a polyurethane elastomer.

The adhesive used can contain a white or colorless base. Advantageously, the adhesive can contain a white base which becomes transparent once dry. This makes it possible to reflect light and to obtain a better visual effect.

According to one embodiment, the adhesive is colored with the aid of at least one pigment.

According to another embodiment, the adhesive is colored with the aid of at least one colorant.

According to a first embodiment variant, the applicator can be a fine brush or a brush, having a conical or cylindrical, straight or curved shape. It can be made in particular of plastics material, thermoplastic, glass or metal.

According to a second embodiment variant, the applicator can be made of a porous material, for example a foam or a sponge. The applicator can have a circular, elliptical, rectangular or triangular shape.

The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator according to the invention, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: at least partially coating at least one surface of an applicator with colored adhesive; spraying a flocking material on said surface, said method optionally comprising a prior step of adding a coloring element to an adhesive having notably a white or colorless base.

The flocking can be realized using different techniques known to a person skilled in the art, for example by pressure spraying, electrostatically or by a combination of the two methods mentioned.

According to one embodiment variant, the flocked application surface can be partially colored. This makes it possible to realize particular decorations.

The present invention furthermore relates to an assembly for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, comprising a reservoir intended to contain said cosmetic product, a free edge of which delimits an opening, a closure member provided to close the opening of the reservoir in a removable manner, and an applicator according to the invention.

Preferably, the applicator is mounted on the closure member so as to be movable between a first position, known as the pick-up position, in which the applicator is situated inside the reservoir and is able to be brought at least partially into contact with the cosmetic product, and a position, known as the application position, in which the applicator can be brought into contact with a part of the human body. The closure member bearing the applicator thus also constitutes a member for gripping the latter.

According to one embodiment, the applicator can be molded with the closure member.

According to another embodiment, the applicator can be attached mechanically to the gripping member by crimping.

According to one embodiment, the reservoir has a wiping member, disposed on the wall of said reservoir in the region of the opening. This makes it possible notably to wipe the flocked coating during the withdrawal of the applicator.

The cosmetic product can be a transparent or translucent formulation.

Advantageously, the cosmetic product can be an oil, a gloss or a serum.

The invention will be understood better from studying the following detailed description with reference to the appended drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view in longitudinal section of a first embodiment of a packaging and application assembly comprising an applicator according to the invention;

FIG. 1a is an enlarged depiction of the applicator of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2a is a depiction, before flocking, of an application surface having cavities according to a first embodiment variant;

FIG. 2b is a depiction, after flocking and in cross section, of the application surface in FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 is a depiction, before flocking, of an application surface having cavities according to a second embodiment variant;

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of an applicator according to the invention;

FIG. 4a shows a side view of the applicator shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of an applicator according to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of an applicator according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of an applicator according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a sixth embodiment of an applicator according to the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of a seventh embodiment of an applicator according to the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a packaging and application assembly 100 comprises a cylindrical reservoir 30 which is closed by a bottom 31. Alternatively, the reservoir can have some other shape, notably that of a square prism.

On the opposite side from the bottom 31, the reservoir 30 is extended by a neck 32, a free edge 33 of which defines an opening 34. The neck 32 bears an external thread that is able to cooperate with a corresponding internal thread on a cylindrical closure member 50 provided to close the reservoir 30 in a leaktight manner.

Fastened in the closure member 50 is a stem 10, to one end of which an applicator 20 is secured. Thus, the closure member 50 serves as a member for gripping and for handling the applicator 20. The stem 10 has a radial extension 11 situated inside the closure member 50, the diameter of which is substantially identical to the outside diameter of the neck 32, said extension being fastened to the closure member 50. When the closure member 50 is screwed onto the neck 32 of the reservoir, the applicator 20 is dipped in the product P contained in the reservoir.

Fitted in the neck 32 is a wiping member 40, for example in the form of a glove finger, which has, on the reservoir side, a circular wiping lip 41. On the opposite side, this glove finger 40 comprises a collar 42, which extends radially outward and rests on the neck 32 of the reservoir. In the assembled position of the assembly 100, the radial extension 11 of the stem 10 bears on the collar 42, thereby acting as a seal. The wiping member 40 is constituted of an elastomer or thermoplastic material, which may be chosen from among the thermoplastic elastomers and the natural or synthetic rubbers.

As shown in FIG. 1a , the applicator 20 comprises a support 21, of axis X, in the form of a cylinder of revolution. The support 21 is formed in continuation of the stem 10, which itself extends along the axis X. If need be, it is possible to provide a support 21 of axis X, which forms a nonzero angle with the axis of the stem 10. The support 21 is advantageously obtained by molding in one piece with the stem 10. Alternatively, the support 21 can be attached to the stem 10 mechanically, notably by crimping, snap-fastening, adhesive bonding or welding. The outer surface of the support 21 forms an application surface 22 of the flocked coating.

This surface 22 is covered with a flocked coating comprising fibers which can be fibers of polyamide, for example of nylon, in particular of nylon PA 6.6, of polyacrylic, of polyester, of cotton or of cellulose.

The flocking fibers are held on the application surface 22 by a colored adhesive. Moreover, the application surface 22 of the support 21 can have reliefs, as illustrated in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3. Thus, these reliefs make it possible to retain a quantity of adhesive 26 which varies over the application surface 22 as a whole.

FIGS. 2a and 2b describe an application surface 22 containing a series of circular cavities 24 distributed over the entire application surface 22.

As shown in FIG. 3, the application surface 22 can contain ribs 25.

The invention is not limited to the examples of reliefs given above. Specifically, the application surface 22 can have different types of reliefs, recessed or protruding, punctiform or distributed around the periphery of the surface 22, singly or in combination. In order to produce such an applicator 20, first of all the support 21 is formed, for example by molding it with the stem 10. Next, the external surface 22 of the support 21 is coated with a liquid or pasty adhesive 26, for example an adhesive which can be of the elastomer, vinyl or acrylic epoxy type. The application surface is coated with adhesive either by dipping or by spraying the adhesive by way of a spray gun.

The support 21 thus impregnated is then exposed to a set of fibers 23 which are retained by the adhesive. The fibers 23 are thus held on the application surface 22 and form a flocked coating covering the application surface.

The flocking can be realized using different techniques known to a person skilled in the art, for example by pressure spraying, electrostatically or by a combination of the two methods mentioned. When they are electrostatically charged, these fibers are suspended in the air and are deposited on the impregnated surface of the support by electrostatic attraction. As a result, in most cases, these fibers are oriented substantially perpendicularly to the impregnated surface. Any excess fibers are then removed by suction.

According to another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 4 a, an applicator 103 comprises a support 60 having a partially flocked application surface 61 and comprising several flocked regions.

The support 60 has a circular cross section. Alternatively, the support 60 can have an elliptical, rectangular or triangular cross section.

The support 60 is made of a porous material, for example a foam or a sponge. In particular, the support 60 constitutes the base of an applicator for foundation.

Each flocked region has the overall shape of a circle or a dot 63. The set of flocked regions, repeating this same basic pattern, forms a general dot pattern. The dots 63 are not necessarily all identical and can have for example different diameters (this not being shown).

FIGS. 5 to 9 show embodiment variants of the applicator in FIG. 4. More specifically, FIGS. 4 to 8 differ by way of the shape of the flocked application surface.

Thus, the applicators 104 and 105 comprise a repetition of a star pattern 64 and a wave pattern 65, respectively, on the application surface 61.

According to one embodiment variant, FIG. 7 shows an applicator 106 having a flocked application surface with a single central pattern 66. The pattern 66 forms a logo.

According to another embodiment variant, FIG. 8 shows an applicator 107 having a flocked application surface combining a pattern, in this case a dot 63, that is repeated over the surface 61 and is associated with a second, central pattern 67 that is constituted of a series of letters or forms a logo.

According to another embodiment, FIG. 9 shows a side view of an applicator 108 having two application surfaces 61 and 62 that are situated on either side of a median plane and are covered by flocked coatings 71 and 72, respectively. In FIG. 9, the fibers of the flocked coating 72 have different application characteristics than those of the flocked coating 71. In this case, the fibers of the flocked coating 72 are longer than the fibers of the flocked coating 71. Alternatively, the fibers of the flocked coatings can differ from one surface to the other by way of their density or their thickness. In order to distinguish between them, the application surfaces 61 and 62 can be coated with adhesives of different colors. The pattern of the flocked coating can be the same on both surfaces or it can vary from one surface to the other.

Alternatively, each surface 61, 62 can be entirely flocked and/or not have patterns.

The invention is not limited to the examples cited in the description. Specifically, the flocked regions can have different shapes than those of the patterns described in the figures. 

1. Applicator (20, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108) for applying a cosmetic product, having at least one application surface (22, 61, 62) covered at least partially with a flocked coating (23, 71, 72) comprising a set of fibers held on said application surface by an adhesive (26), the adhesive, after drying, being colored, and the applicator being characterized in that the flocked coating comprises colorless and/or translucent fibers.
 2. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that said applicator comprises at least two flocked regions having at least two different colors.
 3. Applicator according to claim 2, characterized in that the two flocked regions comprise flocking fibers that have different application characteristics.
 4. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the application surface is entirely covered with a flocked coating.
 5. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the application surface comprises at least one flocked part that forms a pattern (63, 64, 65, 66, 67).
 6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application surface comprises reliefs (24, 25).
 7. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive is colored with the aid of at least one pigment.
 8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive is colored with the aid of at least one colorant.
 9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator is a fine brush, a brush, a foam or a sponge.
 10. Method for manufacturing an applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: at least partially coating at least one surface of an applicator with colored adhesive; spraying a flocking material on said surface, said method optionally comprising a prior step of adding a coloring element to an adhesive having notably a white or colorless base.
 11. Assembly (100) for packaging and applying a cosmetic product (P), comprising a reservoir (30) intended to contain said cosmetic product, a free edge (33) of which delimits an opening (34), a closure member (50) provided to close the opening of the reservoir in a removable manner, and an applicator (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said applicator being mounted on the closure member so as to be movable between a first position, known as the pick-up position, in which the applicator is situated inside the reservoir and is able to be brought at least partially into contact with the cosmetic product, and a position, known as the application position, in which the applicator can be brought into contact with a part of the human body.
 12. Assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the cosmetic product is a transparent formulation, said transparent formulation being able to be slightly tinted. 